Isostearyl Hydroxystearate

AKA: Pelemol ISHS, Ethox ISHS, Schercemol SHS ester, 162888-05-3, Octadecanoic acid, 16-methylheptadecyl ester, ISOSTEARYL HYDROXYSTEARATE [INCI]
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, 16-methyl-heptadecyl ester
Formula
C36H72O3
Mol. Weight
553.00
CAS #
162888-05-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester created as a cosmetic emollient with enhanced hydration properties. Developed to provide stable moisturization and improve the sensory feel of skincare formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR